Robert stuart bxjtler



R. S. BUTLER FILTER APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 1, I932.

0rigina l Filed Dec.

R. s. BUTLER FILTER APPARATUS Re. 18,369 7 Shee ts-Sheet 2 March 1,1932.

Original Filed Dec.

Illlll] Illlllllll R. S. BUTLER FILTER APPARATUS 'March 1, 1932.

Original Filed Dec. 12, 1928 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 R. S. BUTLER FILTERAPPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 March 1, 1932.

Original Filed Dec. 12, 1928 R. S. BUTLER March 1, 1932. FILTERAPPARATUS Re. 18,369

orlginal Filed Dec. 12, 1928 7 Sheds-Sheet 6 R. S. BUTLER FILTERAPPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 March 1, 1932.

Original Filed Dec. 12, 1928 Reissued Mar. 1, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENTOFFICE ROBERT STUARTKBUTLER,,OF LOS AN'GELES, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR, TBYMESNE AS- I SIGNMENTS, NORDBERG MANUFACTURING- COMPANY FILTER APPARATUSOriginal No. 1,780,905, dated November 11, 1930, Serial No. 325,468,filed December 12, 1928. Application for reissue-filed March 28,

This invention relates to an apparatus for filtering solids fromliquids.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a continuousvacuum filter light and compact in design, mechanically simple and fullyautomatic in operation and possessing features not found in otherfilters.

The present invention relates particularly to the multiple leaf type offilter. An object of the present invention is to provide a con tinuousfiltering apparatus affording a large filtering surface for a smallfloor space. Each leaf or filter plate of the filtering apparatus ofthis invention is a separate and individual filtering element flexiblymounted on an endless elastic or rubber belt having a series of rubbernipples into'which the drainage tubes of the leaves or plates fit.

A pair of chams or other conveyor means move the leaves continuouslyalong a stationary vacuum or diiferential pressure duct, the uppersurface of which has a slotted opening through which the leaves, as theypass over, are placed under vacuum. The material to be filtered with theapparatus of the present invention is supplied to the apparatus by spraylines and fills the space intervening adjacent leaves.

After the leaves are filled, the apparatus of the present inventionprovides a means for moving the leaves relatively to a vacuum zone wherefiltration begins. The apparatus of the present invention is soconstructed as to permit a cake to be formed on each face of the leafand of any required thickness, leaving an inner space between the cakesin the case of difficulty or'slow filtering'materials or where the cakeis to be washed. Or, with. the apparatus of the present invention, acake 3 can be built up solid on the leaf when this is desirable. 1

The present invention also provides a means by which the wash liquid maybe introduced completely filling the remaining inner space betweenthecakes and provides a means by which any amount of wash liquid maybeapplied as desired, and the time of washing-lengthened to any desiredtime without slowing the machine or increasing or decreasing the time offormation of the cake.

1931. Serial No. 528,075

Moreover the wash liquid may, if desired, be

sprays.

- The present invention also provides an apparatus by which the leaves,after the washing and drying steps have.been completed, may be removedfrom the vacuum duct continuously or by a continuous intermittent motionand passed over an end of'the apparatus and automatically spread apartinto a position in which the cake can be automatically discharged fromthe filter leaves. The apparatus also includes a means by which apuleating air column may be introduced into the interior of the leavesand operate 'to automatically thoroughly discharge the cakes byvibrating the filter medium.

The present invention also provides a means by which any variation infiltering speed or time of travel of the leaves on the vacuum duct maybe had, and moreover, the

speed may be varied continually during the use of the apparatus asfluctuations and filtering conditions may require.

The present invention together with various further objects andadvantages of the same will best be understood from a description 'of apreferred form of filtering apparatus embodying the invention. For thispurpose, there is hereafter described, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, a preferred form or example of such a filteringapparatus.

It will be realized that whereas I describe and show a practical andoperative device, nevertheless many changes might be made in the size,shape, number and disposition of parts without departing from the spiritof ure 4.

moved.

iFigure Tis a section 'on the line 7 '7 of F ig- Figure 8 is a sectionon the line 88 of Figure7. Figure 9 is afragmentary sectional elevationof one of the nipples of the'filter leaves.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary sectional elevation of one ofthe filterleaves. 7

J a perspective view of the filter lea Fi ure 1;2 a side view oftheinterconnectgamble webs between the filter leaves. 13 an enlargedsection on the line 1 51301? Figure 12f Figure 14 is a fragmentaryelevation of the filter leaves with the interconnecting web shown inpositionbetween the leaves. 'Figure 15 is a section. on line 15. F g ff' Y i i i Figure 16is a plan view of a duplex filter showing ameans'fordriving a plurality of Figure 1 7 is a'detailed enlarged viewof cerreceiver 3f The filtrate receiver. 3' has a line 4; connectingwith its lower endby means of which the'filtra te may be withdrawnfromthe, receiver by a. pump 5 and discharged through a line 6.. Thefiltratereceiver 3con nects with vacuum line 7 whichleads to a.

foamseparator 8. The foamseparator 8 has a linefQ'connectingwith tbefiltrate discharge al o. a acuum ,1 lQ' o ne t ng.

' with the vacuumpump 11. There is also pro vide'din'the'receiver 3, avalve for releasingvacuum in the filtrate receiver 3, if the height offiltrate exceeds a predetermined height, the valve 712 being operated bythe "Now referring more particularly to Figures '2 to 8 inclusive, thefilter press comprises mainly a main body member orcasting 15 whichconnects with the legs 16 by which" thefilter press is supported; Thebody mem ber 15 is provided with a central vacuum chamber or, filtratereceiving chamber 17 which connects, as indicated at .18, with thevacuum line 2. Plug 19 is indicated by which" an additionalline may beconnected with the vacuum chamber if desired. The body member 15 isprovided longitudinally of the filter'press with vacuum ducts 20. which1 are in the form ofthree longnar'row ducts rs f'f rom the same motorand; at variable speeds.

extending the major part of the length of the body member 15. Mountedupon the top of the body member 15 is a resilient member 21 which ispreferably formed of soft rubber and is designed to form an elongatedvacuum cup. Openings 22 are provided in said member 21', communicatingwith the main vacuum chamber 17. There is a strip of metal 23 placed ina longitudinal groove 24 in the resilient' member 21 which serves tohold the cup member 21 to the base 15'. 25 indicates screws for thispurpose; :The metal strip 23 has openings 26 therein conforming to theopenings 20 in the body inember15. The member 21 is generally T-shapedin crosssection the place under the edges of the The leaf filter plates28, as most clearly shown in Fi re 7 com rise a frame 29.

.. gu P formed at the sides and bottoms by channel irons and attached bybolts 30 to the links of the chains 27. The chains 27 are trained oversprockets 31 on shafts 32 and 33 at the different ends of the body 15. I

, The frames 29 ofthe filter plates or leaves have. their channel ironspartially filled by wood fillers, 33'indicatin the fillers for the sidechannels andfie, the fillers of the bottom channel. The bottom fillers34 are prefertapered slightly towards the center of theiframe in orderto insure that the entire filterleaf will be drained. The side fillers33 are provided. in their upper parts with narrow, vertical slots 35.There is provided an Opening 36in the center of the frame 29, prefrablysquare in cross section. Said opening receives hollow rectangularnipples 37 which are formed integral with a continuous resilient belt 38whiehis-preferably formed of soft rubber. The continuous belt 38 ispositioned to pass over the elongated vacuum duct of the body 15 andalso to pass over spools 39-.and 40.0n the shafts 32 and 33of theapparatus. The belt 38 is thus driven by means of the frames 29, whichin turn are driven by the chains 27. v

In operation, a fluid-tight sliding connection of relatively lowfriction is established between-theresilient member 2lwhich issecured tothe base or body 15 of the apparatus and the resilient belt 38, whenevervaclllllll ls applied to the chamber 17 of the ody. 1 5 a,

vacuum is applied, this reduced" pressureexisting between the'parts 21and 38 ciauscsthe parts to be drawn firmly together and. the resiliencyofthese parts permits them to. establish a fluid-tight condition. It is.understood,.of course, it is not necessary tomake both the member 21and the belt.

451 leaves proper 40. The'plate portion 48 of said members be ofresilient material.

38 of resilient material such as rubber, but, however, it is preferablethat at least one of y having both of the members 38 and 21 made ofresilient material such as rubber, not only a vacuum-tight seal isformed between these parts, but at the same time, the relative movementis permitted, without any large amount of friction being developedbetween them.

The leaves proper are generally indicated at 40a and are made detachablefrom the leaf frames 29. While various forms of leaves may be employed,the particular form preferred comprises a complete channel iron frame 41which surrounds a rectangle plate or grid of corrugated metal 42, thecorrugations of which form the supporting surfaces for the filtermedium, the apparatus being arranged so that both sides of the plateoperate as filtering areas. The bottom of the frame 41 of the leavestapers downwardly to an enlarged hub 44 to which is threaded a draintube 45. The drain tube 45 is of such size as to fit into the nipples 37which are rigid with the continuous belt 38 and thus the drain tubes 45provide a means for holding the leaves proper in position.

The frames 41 are provided with a corrugated plate 42 forming the leafproper and the frames are covered by filter cloth which is shown aspreferably in the form of a bag 46 surrounding the entire leaf proper,with the exception of the drain tube 45. he leaves 40a extend onlypartly up frames 29 in the operative position and above the leaves thereare provided dash plates 47 for holding additional liquid between thefiltering leaves. These plates preferably have openings 48a through themby which communication between the spaces for material to be filtered ispermitted. The dash plates 47 are shown as formed of a plate 48, formedat its lower end. with a bifurcated portion 49 adapted to seat over thetop of the filter the dash boards 47 extend beyond the bifurcatedportion 49 and are adapted to be wedged into the vertical slots 35 inthe side fillers 33 of the frames. lVhen so forced into the slots 35,the plates 48 wedge the fillers 33 against the sides of the channelsforming the sides of the frame 28, thereby locking the dash boards andthe filter leaves proper into the filter frame 29..

The filter leaves are secured tothe chains 27 so that as they pass thestraight surface or line defining the filtering zone'of the apparatus,the edges of the frames 29 are closely abutting. In order that asubstantially fluid-tight chamber should be formed between the leaves ofthe filters, various means may be provided for sealing the'space'between adjacent frames 29 in the filtering p'ositio'n, but I prefer toemploy webs 50 of either canvas or resilient material and particularly,in this case, folded cloth is illustrated.

The particular form of the web illustrated comprises a three-sided clothmember which has the free edges 51 and 52 for fitting between thechannels of the frame of the filter leaves and the fillers therefor, tothus be held by said members in position. From the free edges, the clothis. double-backed a number of times, as indicated at 53, so that whenthe filter plates come to the ends of the apparatus, the folded webmember may expand,

as indicated, to cover the increased distances -As the crank armoscillates the lever 56, the

friction drive member 55 rotates the wheel, a distance depending on itsadjustment on the arm 56. By adjusting the position of the frictionelement 55, the rate of the continuous interrupted feed oft-he filterpress leaves may be varied through a considerable range and permits acontinual variation in operating speed of the apparatus as any fiuctu-'ations in filtering conditions may require.

There is also driven by the motor 58, a means for providing anoscillating fiuid column such as an air column which serves to provide ameans for vibrating the filter me dium of the leaves to remove the cakeat the discharge end of the apparatus. This means consists simply of acylinder 59 in which a working piston (not shown) is connected with theengine 58. The piston chamber. connects with the line 60 and thecylinder is without valves, so that the reciprocation of the pistonwithin the cylinder produces a pulsating or oscillating air columngiving first a. positive, then 'a negative air pressure on the line 60.

The line 60 connects, as best illustrated in Figures 7 and 4, with avalve plate 61 which is journaled upon the shaft 32, and is providedwith a single discharge port 62, discharging from one side of the plateinto passages 63 which are formed in the spool 39 .around which thebelt. 38 is trained' The carried around the shaft 32 to the properposition, their drain tubes are connected through an outlet 62 of thevalve plate 61.

15, the filtrate is removed and after the fil- V supplying washingmaterials through sup-' thereon.

The oscillating air column in line is applied to the interior of thefilter leaves as ,the leaves spread, vibrating the filter medium (inthis'case, a filter cloth), so as to remove the filter cake which hasbeen deposited The means by which the filter cake is removed intheapparatus of the present invention is of special value in that itpermits the apparatus to adequately dispose of'the filter cakeautomatically and without the necessity of any brushers or scraperswhich are employed on many continuous filters. The elimination ofbrushers or scrapers preserves the life of the filtering medium andprevents the cake being pressed into the filter cloth,- clogging thesame. It is understood that while this particular'apparatus fordisposing of. a filter cake from the filter leaf is well adapted for usein connection with the continuous interrupted moving'filter hereinillustrated, that it is not restricted in its use to this special typeof filtering apparatus, but

may be employed wherever it is desired to automatically remove the cakefrom the filtering medium.

In operation of the present press is started into continuous interrupted*motion by means of the motor driving mem ber 58 and the vacuum pump 11is started to place a vacuum on the receiver 3 in the vacuum chamber ofthe body member 15. The material to' be filtered is fed into thecompartments formed between the leaves at the I leaves, as this can bedone in any manner, for 40.

example, in some cases, by distributing pipe lines and other cases, bychutes.

' As the material is passed over the vacuum pan or the vacuum chamber inthe body trate' has been sufficiently removed, the cake on the filterleaves may be readily washed by ply lines or in any other way. to thecompartments between the leaves.

It is understood of course that the length of travel of the filterleaves over the straight v path with some materials may be greater thanothers, and it may be desirable for some ma.- terials to supplyseparate'vacuum chambers for removing the wash waters.

r The present invention provides'a filtering apparatus in whichthewashing fluids may 7 be extended relative to the filtering period invarious ratios simply ,by adjusting the relative positions that thefiltrate and wash water is fedbetween the confronting leaves. Theapparatus of the present invention also permits the washing water orother liquid to be uniformly, applied to the cake in one or a plurality.ofapplications. '7

invention, the

understood that various modifications and connecting the filtratereceiving means with said filter plates when the plates are in thefiltering zone and disconnecting the filtrate receiving means with saidfilter plates'when the filter plates pass from thefiltering zone.

2. A filteringv apparatus comprising a row of filter plates, filtratereceiving means, means for moving. said row of filter plates;simultaneously with the filtering operation and relative to saidfiltrate receiving means and transversely to the filter plates, and in astraight line, to translate the filter plates toand from the filteringzone, and meansconnecting the filter plates with said, filtra receivingmeans while the filter plates are in the filtering zone and fordisconnecting the filter plates; withsaid filtrate receiving means whenthe filter plates pass the filtering zone. 7 i

3. A filtering apparatus comprising a continuous conveying means, acontinuous series of filter plates secured to said'conveying means withtheir filtering'areas confronting, whereby the @filte'r plates areadapted tobe translated through a continuous path, one portion of whichpath is in a substantially straight line, means for forming intermediatechambers for the liquid to be filtered between the filter plates in thefiltering posiv tion, filtrate receiving means adjacent the filteringplates passing the filter position, and means for connecting saidfiltrate;re-- ceiving means with the'filtering, plates occupying'thefiltering position. 4g. A filtering apparatus comprising a filtratereceiving chamber open along an elongated filtering zone, a continuousbelt movable over said zone, forming therewith a substantiallyfluid-tight seal, and a plurality of vertically disposed filteringmembers forming intermediate chambers for the liquid to be filtered,said filtering members being carried by said belt and adapted to beconnected therethrough with said filtering chamber as they pass overthefiltering zone.

5. A filtering apparatus comprising a filtrate receiving chambercennnunicating with an upwardly facing elongated sealing cup, a beltmember slidable over said cup and forming a substantial ly fluid-tightseal therewith, and leaf filter members carried by said belt andconnected therethrough to said filtrate receiving member as theytraverse said elongated cup, said filter members having nipplesdetachably connected with said belt members. v

6. A filtering apparatus comprising a filtrate receiving chamber havinga substantially horizontally disposed elongated filtrate receiving zone,a continuous belt movable over said filtrate receiving zone, filterleaves connected with said belt with their filtering areas confronting,and means for forming intermediate chambers between said leaves for theliquid to be filtered, the filter leaves being in communication withsaid filtrate receiving chamber as they pass over the elongatedfiltering zone.

7. A filtering apparatus comprising a filtrate receiving chamber, saidchamber having an elongated filtrate receiving zone, a continuous beltmovable over said filtrate receiving zone, a continuous series of filterleaves movable with said belt and having confronting filter areas, meansfor forming intermediate chambers between said filter leaves for thereception of the liquid to be filtered, and an air pressure valvecontacting with said belt after the belt passes from said filteringzc-ne, operative for supplying air pressure to remove the cake from saidfilter leaves. 7

8. A filtering apparatus comprising a resilient pad, having openingsextended through an elongated filtering zone, filtrate receiving me sconnected with said pad, a resilient belt ember movable along thefiltering zone and adapted to form a substantially fluid: tightconnection therewith, a plurality of fil- I teri 9; leaves connectedwith said belt with thci filti. areas confronting, and means for for! gintermediate chambers between sa d for the material to be filtered.

9. A filtering apparatus comprising a filtratc receiving membercommunicating with an elongated filtering pad, a belt movablelongitudinally over said filtering pad,.filter leaves carried by saidbelt and having drain openings extending through the belt, means for sudying suction to said filtrate receiving member and thereby to saidbelt and pad to bring the same into fluid-tight, relation,

' means for automatically moving the belt and associated filteringleaves, and means for spreading the filtering leaves automatically asthey leave said pad.

1O. A filtering apparatus comprising a continuous belt, a continuousseries of filter-v ing leaves connected with said belt, means for movingsaid belt throughout a continuous path, one portion of which is instraight line, one portion of which is curved thereby to spread theleaves at the curved portion of said path, means interconnecting theleaves forming intermediate chambers for material to be filtered, anelongated zone operated at lower pressure than said leaves, and meansfor connecting said zone to said leaves during movement of said leaves.

11. A filtering apparatus comprising a stationary filtrate receivingmember having an elongated filtrate receiving duct, a continuous beltmovable over said filtrate receiving zone, filter leaves having nipplesextending into openings in said belt thereby to communicate with saidfiltrate receiving memher as they pass over the filtrate receiving duct,means for forming intermediate chambers for the liquid to be filteredbetween said I filter leaves, and means for continuously dischargingfilter cake from said leaves after they pass from the filtrate receivingmember.

12. A filtering apparatus comprising filtering leaves having draintubes, a continuous belt, filter plates secured to said belt and holdingsaid filter leaves, the drain tubes of said filter leaves communicatingwith filter openings through said belt, a filter receiving membershaving a resilient vacuum cup slidably engaging said belt, and means fordriving the belt and filter plates over said filtrate receiving memberduring filtering operations.

13. A filtering apparatus which includes a flexible endless conveyor, aplurality of filter leaves associated with said conveyor, and positionededgewise thereon, the faces of adjacent leaves on said conveyor beingopposed to each other, said conveyor being adapted to convey said leavesin'succession, and sideways alon a closed path, means for subjectingsaid leaves, through a predetermined portion or portions of their travelalong said path, to a fluid to be filtered, means for causing pressureof said fluid against the effective surfaces of said leaves, during apredetermined portion or portions of the travel of said. leaves alongits path, and means for freeing the cakes from the leaves. Y

14. A filtering apparatus which includes a flexible endless conveyor, aplurality of filter leaves associated with said conveyor, and positionededgewise thereon, the faces of ad iacent leaves on said conveyor beingopposed to each other, said conveyor being adapted to convey said leavesin succession, and sideways along a closed path, means for subjectingsaid leaves, through a predetermined portion or portions of their travelalong said path, to a fluid to be filtered, and means for causingpressure of said fluid against the effective surfaces of said leaves,during a predetermined portion or portions, of the travel of said leavesalong its path.

15. A filtering apparatus which includes an endless conveyor and meansfor guiding it through a path including curved portions and non-curvedportions, a plurality of filter leaves associated with said conveyor andpositioned edgewise thereon, means for subjecting said leaves, through apredetermined portion or portions of their travel along said path, to afluid tp be filtered, and means for causing pressure'of said fluidagainst the effective surfaces of said leaves, during a predeterminedportion or portions of the travel of each saidp'late along its path.

16. A filtering apparatus which includes an endless conveyor and meansfor guiding it through a path including curved portions and a generallyhorizontal straight portion, a plurality-of filter leaves associatedwith said conveyor and positioned edgewise there on, said leavesbeing ingenerally vertical position when traveling along "the generallyhorizontal stretch of travel of the conveyor, and means for subjectingsaid leaves, through a predetermined'portion or portions of theirtravel, to pressure of a fluid tozbe filtered.

117.-A filtering apparatus which includes aconveyor and means, forguiding it through a predetermined path, a plurality of filter leavesassociated with said conveyor and positioned edg'ewise thereon, said"leaves being-throughout a substantial portionof their travel,positioned face to face in relatively close proximity and in generalparallelism,

and means for increasing the space between adjacent leaves, ad acent thezone of discharge of thecake formed thereon.

'18. A filtering apparatus which includes a conveyor and means forguidin it through a predetermined path, a plurality of filterleavesassociated with said conveyor and po sitioned edgewise thereon,said leaves being, throughout a substantial portion of their travel,positioned face to face in relatively close proximity and in generalparallelism, and means for increasing the space between adjacent-leavcs, adjacent the zone of dis charge of the cake formed thereon,including a curved guide of relatively small radius, about which saidconveyor passes.

, 19. A filtering apparatus which includes a plurality of filter leaves,means for positioning'said filter leaves in generally uprightpositio-nyfaceto face and in general parallelism, means for moving theleaves through a predetermined path, means for subjecting said filterleaves to a fluid to be filtered, when so positioned, means fordischarging-thefiltercake'from said leaves, and means for inleavesthrough a predetermined path, means for subjecting said filter leaves toa fluid to be filtered, when so positioned, means for discharging thefilter cake from said leaves, and means for increasing, the, spacingbetween leaves adjacent the zone of cake dis-' charge. 1 l

21. A filtering apparatus which includesa plurality of filter leaves, aconveyor and means for guiding it through a predeterminedpath, means formaintaining said filter leaves edgewise in relation to said conveyor,and generally perpendicular thereto, throughout a portion of said path,with the opposite faces of adjacent leaves generally parallel with andclosely adjacent each other, means for subjecting said leaves to contactwith a fluid to be filtered, means for discharging the cake from saidleaves, and means for increasing the space between leaves adjacent thezone of cake discharge.

22. A filtering apparatus which includes a plurality of filter leaves,means for maintaining said filter leaves face to face and in generalparallelism, means for moving said leaves, when in such relationshipthrough a zone of filtration, means for subjecting said leaves,.-as theypass through said zone of filtration, to the pressure of a fluid to befiltered, .means, effective subsequent to the initial subjection of theleaves to the fluid, for

discharging the consequent filter cake from said leaves,;and means forvarying the spacing between leaves.

23. A filtering apparatuswhich includes a plurality of filter leaves,means'for positioning said filter leaves in generally upright position,face to face and in general parallelism, means for moving said leaveswhen so positioned, sideways through a zone of filtration throughanon-circular path, means for subj ecting said leaves, as they passthrough said zone of filtration, to the pressure of a fluid to befiltered, means for thereafter de-watering the cake formed on saidleaves, and means for subsequently discharging the cake from saidleaves.

'24. A pressure connection which includes normally fixed bearing meansand an extended member adapted to move thereover, sealing surfacesassociated with the opposed bearing means and member, one or more portsin the bearing means, a plurality of ports in the extended member, andsuction means for normally maintaining the opposed sealing surfaces ofthe opposed bearing means and member sealed against each. other duringtheir relative movement, the extended member being flexible.

. formed 25. A pressure connection which includes normally fixed bearingmeans and an extended member adapted to move thereover, sealing surfacesassociated with the opposed bearing means and member, one or more portsin the bearing means, a plurality of ports in the extended member, andsuction means for normally maintaining the opposed sealing surfaces ofthe opposed bearing means and member sealed against each other duringtheir relative movement, the extended member being a flexible endlessbelt.

26. A connection for fluids, which in eludes a valve strip, a valve beltand means for translating the belt in'relation to said strip, opposedsealing surfaces associated with belt and strip, alignable passages inbelt and strip, and means for maintaining the opposed sealing surfacessealed against each other during relative movement of opposed belt andstrip, and duringcommunication between aligned passages in belt andstrip.

27. A connection for fluids which includes opposed valve members, one ofsaid members.

being flexible, means for moving said flexible member in relation to theopposed member, opposed sealing surfaces associated with the twomembers, alignable passages in the two members, and means formaintaining the opposed sealing surfaces sealed against each otherduring relativev movement'of the opposed members and duringcommunication-of the opposed passages; I

'28. A connection for fluids, which includes a-valve strip, a flexiblevalve belt and means for translating it upon said strip, opposed sealingsurfaces formed on belt and strip, alignable passages in belt and strip,means for establishing a vacuum intermediate belt andstrip,andmaintaining the belt sealed against the strip during relativemovement of strip and belt and during communication between alignedpassages in belt and strip.

29. A filter which includes a vacuum chamber and means for exhaustingit, a valve strip, a port in said strip in communication with saidchamber, a flexible valve belt and means for translating it upon saidstrip, opposed sealing surfaces formed on belt and strip effective toseal said belt and strip, during movement of the belt, in response tothe vacuum in said chamber, a plurality of filter leaves mounted uponsaid belt, said belt being with passages in communication with saidleaves, and alignable with said port, and means for supplying to saidleaves a fluid to be filtered.

'30. A filter which includes a vacuum chamber and means for exhaustingit, a valve strip, a port in said strip in communication with saidchamber, a flexible valve belt, and means for translating it upon saidstrip, opposed sealing surfaces formed on belt and strip, effective toseal said belt and strip during movement of the belt, in response tothe.

vacuum in said chamber, a plurality of apertured nipples extendingoutwardly from the surface of said belt opposite to the strip and aplurality of filter leaves associated with said belt, said leaves beingprovided with pas sage portions adapted to be secured in relation tosaid nipples, the passages of said leaves and nipples being alignablewith said port in response to movement of the belt, and means forsupplying said leaves a fluid to be filtered. v

'31. A filter whichincludes a vacuum chamber andmeans for exhausting it,a valve strip, ports in said strip in communicationwith said chamber,'aflexible valve belt and means for translating it upon said strip, aplurality of filter leaves mounted upon said belt, said belt beingformed with passages in communication with said leaves, said passagesbeing alignable with said port, in response to move. ment of the belt, aported member over which said belt passes, and means for maintainingth'erethrough an oscillating flow of a fluid, said oscillating flowextending into the interior of the successive filter leaves, as theypass across said ported member.

A filter which includes a flexible valve belt, a flexible conveyor, anda plurality of filter leaves in communication with said valve belt andmounted upon said conveyor, valve means opposed to said valve belt, theopposed belt and valve means having aligned ports and means formaintaining suction through said ports.

- 33. A filter which includes a flexible valve belt, a conveyor, aported vacuum chamber and means for moving said flexible valve beltacross said ports, a plurality of filter leaves, said belt beingprovided with ports in comnnnication with said filter leaves, adapted tobe aligned with the ports of said vacuum chamber, and mean for guidingand moving the filter leaves.

3 A filter which includes a flexible valve belt, a flexible conveyor,and a plurality of filter leaves in communication with said valve belt,mounted upon said conveyor, and an actuating connection between saidconveyor and said flexible belt, valve means opposed to said valve belt,the opposed belt, and valve means having aligned ports and means formaintaining suction through said ports;

35. A filter which includes a flexible valve elt, a plurality of filtereaves in communication with said valve belt, and means independent otsaid valve beltfor actuating said leaves, valve means opposed to saidvalve belt, the opposed belt valve means having aligned ports and formaintaining suction through said ports.

36 A filter which includes a flexible valve belt, tion with said valvebelt,-and means independent of said valve belt for supporting andguiding saidleaves, said valve belt being proa-plurality of alter leavesin communica= ports of valve means and :belt.

31. A filter which includes-a vacuum chamber, aflexible valve belt andmeans for passing it across said chamber, a plurality of filter leavesin communication with said valve belt, and means independentof saidvalve belt for supporting, moving and guiding said leaves, said valvebelt being provided with passages in communication with the interiors ofsaid filter leaves and with the interim of said vacuum chamber.

38. A filter which includes a flexible valve belt, a pluralityof filterleaves in communication with said'valve belt, separate means forsupporting and guidingsa-id leaves and valve -a belt, the connectionbetween said filter leaves and belt including flexible apertured nipplesassociated with the belt and ported valve means opposed to said belt andmeans for maintaining suction through the opposed ports and nipples.

39. A filter which includes a flexible valve belt, a plurality of filterleaves in communication with said valve belt, and flexible con nectionsbetween said leaves and said belt and ported valve means opposed to saidbelt, said belt being ported in opposition in alignment therewith andmeans for maintaining suction through the opposed ports,

40. A filter which includes a flexible valve belt, a plurality of filterleaves in communication with said belt, and a connection between saidbelt and each said leaf including mating members in readily removablerelationship and ported valve means opposed to said belt, said beltbeing ported in opposition in alignment therewith and means formaintaining suction through the opposed ports.

tered to said leaves as'thcy pass above said a chamber and means forretaininglthe fluid 41. A filter which includes a flexible valve belt, aplurality of filter leaves in communica tion with said belt, and aconnection between said belt and each-said leaf, each such connectionincluding mating members in readily removable relationship with eachother, and ported valve means, opposed to said belt, said connectionsbetween belt and leaf being ported in alignment with ports in saidported valve means, and suction means for maintaining a fluid-tightconnection between the mating members of the connections'between beltand leaf, said suction means being adapted to maintain suction throughthe ports of the ported valve means. Y

42. In a filtering device a vacuum chamber,.a plurality of filterleaves, means for moving them across said chamber, said leaves being,positioned'edgewise to said chamber, means for delivering a substanceto be filbetween sail Jleaves' during their passage over therhamber. p

43. In a filtering device a flexible valve belt, and ported valve meansopposed thereto, the belt and valve means being ported in alignment, aflexible conve yor including portions positioned at-:'each side of saidvalve belt, transverse connecting members connecting' said conveyor:portions, means for connecting said transverse members and said valvebelt, filter leaves mounted upon said conveyor, and fluid conductiveconnections between said leaves and said belt.

44. Ina filtering device, a flexible valve belt, and ported valve meansopposed thereto, the belt and valve means being ported-in alignment, faflexible conveyor including pordons positioned at ea'ehside of saidvalve belt, transverse connecting members connecting said conveyorportions to each other and to said belt fi lter leaves mounted upon saidconveyor, and fluid conductive connections between said leaves and saidbelt, associated with the individual transverse connecting members.

45. In a filtering device, a flexible valve belt,-and ported valvemeansopposed thereto, the belt and valve means being ported in alignment, aplurality of apertured nipples extending outwardly therefrom, a flexibleconveyor including portions positioned at each side of said valve belt,transverse connecting members'connecti-ng said conveyor portions andsaid belt, the'nipples being 'in effective connection with saidtransverse connecting-members, filter leaves mounted upon said conveyor,and fluid conductive connectionsbetween said leaves-and said nipples.

46. In a filtering device, a flexible valve belt, a normally fixed valvemember and means for translating said belt in'relation thereto, and aplurality of filter leaves associated with said belt. I

47.'In a filtering device, a flexible valve belt, a valve member opposedthereto, and means for guiding and moving said belt, in cluding aflexible conveyor, and cross pieces connecting said conveyor and saidbelt, a plurality of filter leaves mounted on said belt, said belt beingprovided with fluid conductive means between belt and leaves, and asuction chamber associated with said valve member and adapted tomaintain suction therethrough.

48. In a filtering: device, a flexible valve belt, a valve member, meansfor translating the belt in relation to the valve member, and

guiding means for said belt adapted to constrain it to a predeter'minedpath conforming closely to the surface of the valve member across whichthe belt is translated, a plurality of filter leaves mounted on saidbelt, said belt being provided with fiuid conductive means between beltand leaves, and a suctionchamher associated with said valve member andadapted to maintain suction therethrough.

49. In a filter a flexible valve belt, a plurality of filter leavesassociated with said belt, means for moving belt and leaves through apredetermined path, a suction system and means for maintaining aneffective connection between said leaves and said suction system,through said belt, during a por- 10 tion of their travel, and a cakeremoving system including a valve member over which said belt is guided,said valve member including an arcuate surface.

50. In a filter a flexible valve belt and a valve member opposedthereto, a plurality of filter leaves associated with said belt, meansfor moving belt and leaves through a predetermined path, a suctionsystem and means for maintaining an effective connection between saidleaves and said suction s stem, through said belt, during a portion 0;their travel, and a cake removing means additional to and separate fromsaid suction system.

Signed at Los Angeles, in the county of Los Angeles and State ofCalifornia, this 4th day of March, 1931.

ROBERT STUART BUTLER.

